Page 46 of Damien
She stands out enough that I doubt I’d forget meeting her. I just shrug in response. “Sorry?”
“Wait… were you out with a guy that looks like you but has shorter hair last night?”
“Uh, I was with my brother Davis last night.”
Sydney smacks her leg. “I knew it,” she rushes out. “He ordered a few drinks and danced once with my roommate Chloe and her friends. Though I think he ended up spending more time with one of her friends. You were glued to your phone at the booth, right?”
Damn. This girl is observant. To clear any misconceptions she may have, I admit, “I was texting Vanessa most of the evening.”
“I knew I liked you. I saw your brother bring a few girls back to your table at one point, and you showed zero interest—and they were coming on hard.”
Shrugging, I admit, “I… uh… am only interested in one person.”
“That Vanessa’s a lucky girl.” She smiles. Then her expression turns serious. “I know it’s new with the two of you, so I won’t say much, but I need to mention one thing. She and her brother have practically become family to me. If you fuck up—you won’t just have to deal with Vince. He’ll be the least of your worries.”
Holy shit, her conviction is fierce.
If she lives up to the stereotype of redheads, I seriously doubt this is an idle threat.
“That won’t be a problem,” I assure her.
“No—you don’t get it. Those two have been throughsomuch, especially Vanessa. Hell… she’s one of the strongest women I know, but if you’re just looking for a quick fling, move along sooner than later for her sake. She rarely lets anyone in—and the fact that you’re even sitting here—means you’re lucky enough to make the cut.”
That’s saying something.
Though I already know this about Vanessa for the most part—based on our evening talks. I’ll gladly hang on every word Sydney shares if it means learning more about Vanessa.
Sydney shakes her head as if to clear her thoughts as she takes in a long and steady breath. “I’m probably making a horrible first impression. I’m usually not the type who gets into others’ business. But there’snothingI won’t do for that family. So, if I come across as a complete bitch, I’ll gladly be that person, especially if it saves any of them a chance at heartache. The amount of shit they’ve experienced brings out the mama bear side of me. I won’t even say I’m sorry… because let’s face it, I doubt either of us will ever meet three people who’ve been through more at such a young age.”
Remembering Vanessa’s father and her teen pregnancy with Julia, I nod in agreement. “I have no intentions of hurting her,” I say with conviction.
Then I realize another truth.
“Of course—I’m a guy who happens to be human—so I’m bound to mess up at some point. But I’ll never hurt her on purpose.”
She shrugs. “I guess that can be expected. But since we’re on the same page now… how was Portland playing today? I haven’t heard the highlights yet.”
I chuckle at how quickly she switches topics. With the relaxed expression on her face in this moment, you’d never know she’d just threatened to end me mere seconds ago. I appreciate her boldness though. From the sounds of it, Vanessa needs someone in her corner, and I’m glad Sydney can be that person.
If Vanessa lets me, I’d like to be in her corner, too. Knowing everything is still new between us, I’m not sure where this will lead, but I can’t imagine wanting to end things anytime soon. Sure, I may have been gun-shy about relationships since Amber. But Vanessa is different. I can’t quite describe it, but I’m old enough to know when to listen to my gut instincts all the same.
Needing to distract myself from all that is Vanessa, I tell Sydney about the triple in the third inning as well as a few amazing infield plays. We chat about baseball, then the conversation easily flows into basketball and football. Sydney’s knowledge of sports is impressive.
When we get on the topic of favorite football teams, I quickly learn she loves the Rainier Renegades. She’s jealous when I reveal I’ve had season tickets the last few seasons. Sydney can quote stats about some of my favorite players, like very few people I know. I don’t bother telling her how I get my season tickets because I don’t like explaining my sister’s business. Eventually, it’ll come up. But there’s no need go there today.
When Vanessa, Julia, and Vince return to the waiting room, I’m surprised time has flown by. Originally, I hadn’t planned on staying.
Vanessa’s beautiful smile stops me mid-conversation with Sydney.
“I thought you were leaving?” she asks in wonder.
“He kept me from wearing a hole in the tile floors,” Sydney offers. Then she turns her attention to Julia. “Hey, squirt. What’s the verdict? You gonna live?”
“Oh, Sydney… you’re silly.” Julia laughs then scrunches up her face like she’s eaten a sour apple as she says, “They poked a hole in my nail, and I got two stitches. They’re making me wear this, too.” Julia holds up her finger that’s now in a metal brace and bandaged.
“I’m glad you’re okay though,” I offer Julia.
“There’s also a hairline fracture on her finger. Thankfully, it didn’t have to be reset and should heal quickly,” Vanessa offers, and I wince. Holy shit, that must’ve hurt. She’s a freaking trooper for being so calm when we got here.
